$16,985 raised by 58 donors
34% complete
$50,000 Goal
With your support, the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition (OCYC) continues to ignite change and invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Historic Overtown and beyond. Founded in 2012, OCYC serves as a backbone organization that unites more than 60 community partners under one powerful vision: to ensure that every child and youth in Overtown has the opportunity, resources, and support to thrive. Through collaboration, innovation, and collective action, we are transforming systems and empowering lives. At the heart of our mission is the belief that true progress happens when everyone has a seat at the table including the youth whose futures we’re building. OCYC’s four cornerstone committees Education & Community Engagement, Productive & Working, Accountability, and Healthy & Safe bring together over 150 dedicated members each month to drive real, measurable impact across Overtown.
When the world went digital, Overtown’s youth faced a harsh reality: opportunity often depends on access. OCYC responded with action. In 2021, we launched our Campaign to Address the Digital Divide, expanding access to laptops, internet connectivity, and technology education. We discovered that many students relied on mobile phones to complete homework or shared a single laptop among several family members.
Through the OCYC Laptop Scholarship Program, we’ve already distributed 375 laptops and we’re just getting started. Our goal: 5,000 households equipped for success within five years. In celebration of National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Day 2023, we proudly gifted 100 brand-new laptops to local students (our largest single distribution to date). With your continued support, we can bridge the technology gap and prepare Overtown youth to become tomorrow’s innovators, creators, and leaders.
Each year, OCYC and our partners host the dynamic “I’m the Boss of My Life” Youth Conference (ITBOML) is a free, transformative experience for over 375 young adults ages 16–24. Through powerful speakers, hands-on workshops, and motivational sessions, participants learn to lead with confidence, purpose, and vision. Now entering its seventh year, the conference continues to spark empowerment, connection, and pride within Overtown’s youth helping them claim their power and step boldly into their futures.
Your donation fuels opportunity. It funds access to technology, empowers youth with leadership skills, and builds a stronger, more connected Overtown. Every contribution big or small helps a young person believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.
When we invest in our children, we invest in our community.
The mission of Overtown Children and Youth Coalition (OCYC) is to empower all children and youth in Overtown to reach their full potential using a collective impact framework. OCYC generated 5 Goals designed to meet our vision that all Overtown youth will thrive. To realize this vision, the Plan presents these goals for children, youth, and families, as well as the organizations that serve them in the community. The five headline goals are:
1) Overtown's systems and intuitions will be ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY by being responsive, collaborative, efficient, and effective in efforts to empower children and youth to succeed
2) Every child will be HEALTHY AND SAFE in their homes, schools, and community
3) Every child will be CONNECTED to peers, family, community, and culture
4) Every child will be LEADING in academics, technology, service, and civic life, and
5) Every child will be prepared to be PRODUCTIVE AND WORKING towards academic, vocational, college, and career success.
Organization name
Overtown Children and Youth Coalition
other names
OCYC
Tax id (EIN)
47-2336342
Mission Category
Education & Youth
Program Site Locations
Miami: Liberty City/Brownsville , Miami: Overtown
Annual Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,499,999
Primary Population Served
Black/African American/African, General Population, Low-Income Individuals/Families
Address
1951 NW 7th Ave Suite 300